The Char Dham are sacred four Hindu shrines in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. They are considered to be holy places where people seek spiritual enlightenment. The region has four temples: Yamunotri, Gangotri, Kedarnath, and Badrinath.
Popularly known as the Chota Char Dham Circuit, each temple attracts millions of pilgrims annually.
The Chardham yatra is a holy journey that every Hindu wish to accomplish once in their lifetime. This journey is considered one of the most important pilgrimages for Hindus today. It is believed that performing this yatra helps in washing off the sins committed during previous births. It is also believed that the ancestors, too, find happiness and a better position in heaven because of the religious duty performed by the descendants.
This yatra is conducted annually from April/May to October/November. The Yatra begins from Yamunotri and concludes in Badrinath. Each place is associated with a different deity. These deities are believed to bestow good fortune upon those who worship them.
Interesting Facts About Chardham
Yamunotri:
Mythically, Yamuna is the Daughter of Kalind (Sun god) and Sangya (Consciousness) and is also known as Kalindi (Daughter of Kalind). Yama is her Elder Brother.
Myth has it that Yama had promised his Sister Yamuna that whoever takes Holy Dip in the Yamuna on Bhaidooj will never go to Yamaoka.
Gangotri
In mythology, Ganga resides in the Pot of Brahma and at Lord Vishnu’s Feet.
Following Raja Bhirath’s Penance and Prayer for Thousands of Years for Salvation of His Sinning Ancestors, Ganga Descended on the Earth at Gangtok.
Since Earth could not bear the Huge Force of Ganga, Shiva Opened his Matts Locks, and Ganga Descended on his Head.
About Kedarnath
Kedarnath is a small town in the Indian state of Uttarakhand. It lies on the banks of river Mandakini, which flows from Tibet to India through the Himalayas. The town is famous for its temple dedicated to Lord Shiva and Goddess Parvati. King Bhimdev built this temple in the 10th century AD. The temple is also known among Panch Cedars, five important Shiva temples.
Kedarnath is situated at an altitude of 3,867 meters above sea level. The temperature here can drop below -40 degrees Celsius in winter.
Badrinath
Located at 4,095 meters above sea level, Badrinath is the highest point in Uttarakhand. It is said that the name “Badrinath” means ‘the abode of peace.
It is believed that when lord Vishnu set for meditation under the adverse climate of Badrinath, the goddess Laxmi took the form of ‘Badri’ – Jojoba tree to provide shade to Lord Vishnu. It gave the place a name – Badrinath.
Chardham: The four sacred sites in India are Badrinath, Kedarnath, Gangotri, and Yamunotri. They are places where one can attain peace and blissful union with the supreme being.
Best Time To Visit Chardham
As per the traditional calendar, the best time to embark on Chardham Yatra is from May to October, excluding the monsoon season from July-September. However, you might want to consider traveling during different seasons due to changing weather conditions.
During winter, the temperature drops down to minus 20 degrees Celsius. Hence Chardam is not accessible during winters. If you are traveling during September, carry warm clothes and footwear. Moreover, taking necessary medicines and health supplements is advisable to avoid cold and flu.
